Despite bond defeat, MCC ready to move forward

Voters’ rejection of a $56 million bond issue to upgrade technology and facilities at Macomb Community College is disappointing, but not devastating to the institution or the community, college President Jim Jacobs said Wednesday.

A day after voters turned thumbs down on the proposal, Jacobs promised the immediate impact on MCC and its students will be far from catastrophic.

“This was a bond proposal for facilities and technology,” the president said. “That means (for) the programs, the courses and the life of students, there is money in our present budget to handle those issues.”

MCC hadn’t asked for additional funds since 2000 and the last time county voters rejected any request was in 1992. This year, officials requested the bond issue to pay for upgrades to facilities at the six-decade old college and technology enhancement. College officials said approval of the package would cost the owner of a $150,000 home about $11 per year.

But 53 percent of those who cast ballots rejected the plan. The measure lost by some 20,000 votes.

“While there is an economic recovery going on, there’s no question that there’s a long way to go,” said Jacobs, who’s also an economist. “… It is understandable (voters) would feel concern about any raise, even a modest one.”

Around Macomb County on Tuesday, voters approved some tax hikes while rejecting others. But Jacobs pointed out that five of the six state ballot proposals failed, and that sentiment among voters may have extended to the college question.

“We respect the voters’ decision,” he said.

Jacobs said “it’s too early to tell” if or when college officials might present the same or an altered bond proposal to voters for reconsideration.

“I don’t know yet,” he said. “… We are going to look at the results and try to figure out what might have happened.”

Jacobs suggested the need to address those facility issues likely will result in spending “adjustments” that could impact educational programs a few years down the road.

“But our goal is to operate … and be the best institution we can be,” he said. “We are going to move ahead. This is not a game-changer.”

MCC serves about 48,000 students annually providing programs including pre-college education, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completing and graduate-degree programs.

The college is also a leader in workforce training, professional education and certification and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.